Classes
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Machinery Rescue Technician
SFT: Machinery Rescue Technician
May 6-8, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Brian Sippel
Additional Instructors: Zach Zadrozna, Eric Friesen, & Fergus Johnson
Course Description
This course provides the knowledge and skills to prepare an emergency responder to extricate victim(s) from machinery in a safe and effective manner in accordance with AHJ policies and procedures. Topics include sizing up an incident; establishing safety zones; mitigating hazards; stabilizing and creating access and egress openings for rescue; disentangling and removing victims; and terminating an incident. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
Prerequisites:
1. Vehicle Extrication or Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue (SFT)
2. Confined Space Rescue Awareness (CSTI, IAFF, or SFT)
Rescue Systems 1
Rescue Systems 1
May 18-21, 2026
Rescue Systems 1 is a fast paced, hands on course designed to provide the line firefighter with essential rope and structural collapse rescue skills. Meets the NFPA 1006 JPR's for operations level rope and structural collapse.
Location: Bremerton, Washington
Hours: 0830-1830 Daily
Cost: $1150 per student.
Required Equipment: Helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots.
Pre-requisites: This is not an introductory course and assumes the participant has a basic understanding of fire service rescue techniques and tools, as well as an understanding of incident management and safety procedures applicable to the technical rescue environment.
S-215 Fire Ops in the Wildland Urban Interface
SFT S-215 Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface
May 26-28, 2026
0900-1700 | McClellan Park, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This is an instructor-led course intended to be presented at the local level. Instructional units included firefighter safety in the interface, managing human factors in the interface, pre-incident planning, size-up and initial strategy, structure triage, structure protection overview, tactics in the interface, tactical operations and resource use in the interface, action assessment, plan update, and after action review.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Operate safely and effectively in a wildland urban interface incident by using situation awareness, performing structure triage, using pre-planning tools, having a basic understanding of fire behavior, and using strategy and tactics unique to the wildland urban interface environment.
INSTRUCTORS
Spencer Sinnett
SFT ID 1001-0995
PREREQUISITES
Completed SFT Firefighter 2 training.
Fireline EMT
S-223 FIRELINE EMT
June 4-5, 2026
0830-1700hrs
Twain Harte, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of Fireline EMT/Paramedic (EMTF/EMPF). Key learning concepts include position overview, equipment and supplies, assignments, communications, Incident Action Plans and ICS forms, GPS and land navigation, fireline safety, medical emergencies, and lessons learned specific to the wildland arena. Designed For: Emergency medical technicians or paramedics seeking qualification to work on a fireline
PREREQUISITES
S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
Structural Collapse Specialist 2
SFT: Structural Collapse Specialist 2
June 8-12, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Zach Brenner
Additional Instructors: Eric Friesen, Brian Sippel, Mike Wolfe, John Brenner, Kyle Johnson, Doug Ross, & Fergus Johnson
Course Description
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the technician-level structural collapse specialist to rescue victims from a collapsed heavy construction-type structure; including size up, incident action plans, search, cribbing systems, lifting and moving heavy loads, stabilization, breaching, and rescue.
Prerequisites:
1. Structural Collapse Specialist 1: Operations (SFT) OR
Rescue Systems 1 (SFT) AND Rescue Systems 2 (SFT)
2. Confined Space Rescue: Technician (SFT)
3. Powder Actuated Tool Licensing (RAMSET / online certificate)
4. Structural Collapse Specialist (FEMA / computer-based training / 2017 or newer edition) – within two years prior to course registration *
Rope Rescue Technician
Rope Rescue Technician
June 8-12, 2026
Rope Rescue Technician is an advanced ropes course designed to provide the firefighter or rescue technician with advanced rope rescue skills. Meets the NFPA 1006 JPR's for technician level rope rescue.
Location: TBD
Hours: 0800-1600 Daily
Cost: $1475 per student. Cancellations must be received 14 days prior to course commencement in order to receive a refund. Substitutions are allowed.
Required Equipment: Helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, Class III harness.
Pre-Requisites: This is not an introductory course and assumes the participant has an operations level understanding of rope rescue, as well as an understanding of incident management and safety procedures applicable to the technical rescue environment. Specifically, students must be able to tie all applicable knots prior to the course beginning. A list of required knots and learning resources will be sent to students prior to the course. While our Rescue Systems 1 course is not required prior to attending, it is strongly encouraged
Trench Rescue Technician
SFT: Trench Rescue Technician
June 15-17, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Mike Wolfe
Additional Instructors: Kyle Johnson & Jacob Hohloch
Course Description
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the trench rescue technician to work safely and efficiently in a trench rescue environment. This hands-on training program includes trench and excavation regulations, soil characteristics, trench configurations and hazards, rescue team preparation, incident response, initial on-scene and pre-entry operations, shoring systems and components, shoring system installation, victim rescue and recovery, and incident termination. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
Prerequisites:
Structural Collapse Specialist 1 or Rescue Systems 1
Confined Space Rescue: Awareness
Company Officer 2B
Company Officer 2B
General Administrative Functions
Presented by Sterling Fire Training
Oakland Fire Department Training Division
250 Victory Ct.
Oakland, CA 94607
June 16 – 18, 2026
0830 – 1630 hours all days
This course provides information on general administrative functions and the implementation of department policies and procedures and addresses conveying the fire department’s role, image, and mission to the public.
Students should bring either:
Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, 4th edition, International Fire Service Training Association, 2007, 0879392819
-or-
Fire Officer: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, Jones and Bartlett, 2010, 9781449600621
Company Officer 2C
Company Officer 2C
Fire Inspections and Investigation
Presented by Sterling Fire Training
Oakland Fire Department Training Division
250 Victory Ct.
Oakland, CA 94607
0830 – 1630 each day
This course provides information on conducting inspections, identifying hazards and addressing violations, performing a fire investigation to determine preliminary cause and securing the incident scene and preserving evidence.
Students should bring:
Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, 4th edition, International Fire Service Training Association, 2007, 0879392819
-or-
Fire Officer: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, Jones and Bartlett, 2010, 9781449600621
Company Officer 2A
Company Officer 2A
HR Management
Presented by Sterling Fire Training
Oakland Fire Department Training Division
250 Victory Ct.
Oakland, CA 94607
0830 – 1630 each day
This course provides information on the use of human resources to accomplish assignments, evaluating member performance, supervising personnel, and integrating health and safety plans, policies, and procedures into daily activities as well as the emergency scene.
Students should bring;
Manager’s Guide to the California Firefighters Bill of Rights Act, 3rd Edition, Morris Publishing
and either:
Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, 4th edition, International Fire Service Training Association, 2007, 0879392819
-or-
Fire Officer: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, Jones and Bartlett, 2010, 9781449600621
Rescue Systems 1
Rescue Systems 1
September 14-17, 2026
Rescue Systems 1 is a fast paced, hands on course designed to provide the line firefighter with essential rope and structural collapse rescue skills. Meets the NFPA 1006 JPR's for operations level rope and structural collapse.
Location: Bremerton, Washington
Hours: 0830-1830 Daily
Cost: $1150 per student.
Required Equipment: Helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots.
Pre-requisites: This is not an introductory course and assumes the participant has a basic understanding of fire service rescue techniques and tools, as well as an understanding of incident management and safety procedures applicable to the technical rescue environment.
Trench Rescue Technician
SFT: Trench Rescue Technician
October 5-7, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Mike Wolfe
Additional Instructors: Jacob Hohloch & Matt Anderson
Course Description
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the trench rescue technician to work safely and efficiently in a trench rescue environment. This hands-on training program includes trench and excavation regulations, soil characteristics, trench configurations and hazards, rescue team preparation, incident response, initial on-scene and pre-entry operations, shoring systems and components, shoring system installation, victim rescue and recovery, and incident termination. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
Prerequisites:
Structural Collapse Specialist 1 or Rescue Systems 1
Confined Space Rescue: Awareness
Confined Space Rescue Technician
SFT: Confined Space Rescue Technician
with Rescue Tech
October 19-23, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Doug Ross
Additional Instructors: Kyle Johnson & Daniel Martinez
Course Description
This intensive hands-on course provides the skills and knowledge needed to prepare the confined space rescue technician to respond to confined space emergencies including identifying confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces, the hazards associated with permit-required confined spaces, target industries and hazards, state and federal regulations, components of a rescue operation, and the roles and responsibilities of the rescue team.This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify the value of ethical behavior in instructional settings, describe how ethical norms influence individual ethics, identify a personal ethical perspective and core values and how they impact communication and ethical decision making, and make an ethical decision using an ethical decision-making model, in order to assist in making ethical decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in an instructional setting and carry out the roles and responsibilities of an SFT instructor in an ethical manner.
Prerequisites:
Confined Space Rescue: Awareness (SFT)
Rope Rescue Operations* (SFT) or Rescue Systems 1 and LARRO (SFT)
HazMat First Responder Operations (SFT)
IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (FEMA** – online)
SFT Ethical Leadership
SFT ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
November 16, 2026
0900-1700hrs
Berkeley, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify the value of ethical behavior in instructional settings, describe how ethical norms influence individual ethics, identify a personal ethical perspective and core values and how they impact communication and ethical decision making, and make an ethical decision using an ethical decision-making model, in order to assist in making ethical decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in an instructional setting and carry out the roles and responsibilities of an SFT instructor in an ethical manner.
DESIGNED FOR
Individuals who wish to teach State Fire Training courses as a registered instructor and anyone interested in pursuing ethical behavior in an instructional setting.
SFT RIO
SFT Registered Instructor Orientation
November 17, 2026
0900-1300hrs
Berkeley, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide instructors who will deliver SFT training programs with an overview of State Fire Training, CFSTES and FSTEP, instructor registration requirements, instructor responsibilities and accountability, how to schedule and return courses, and the SFT Procedures Manual.
MATERIALS
Students are required to bring a laptop or tablet for course participation. A smart phone is not an appropriate tool for this course.
PREREQUISITE
Enrolled students must provide proof of completed Instructor 1 course to attend.
SFT CEET
SFT CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION EVALUATOR TRAINING
November 17, 2026
1400-1800hrs
Berkeley, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course provides in-depth instruction on the registration requirements for Registered Lead Evaluators and Skills Evaluators, processes and procedures to request and successfully deliver both written and skills certification examinations, and information on making the transition from instructor to evaluator.
CLASS DESIGNED FOR
Personnel affiliated with an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or an Accredited Local Academy (ALA) who will be serving as either a Registered Lead Evaluator or Skills Evaluator for a certification examination process (written and/or skills).
PREREQUISITE
Enrolled students must provide proof of completed Instructor 1 course to attend.
Trench Rescue Technician
SFT: Trench Rescue Technician
April 24-26, 2026
Woodland, CA
Instructors: Erik Komula & Chris Delcour
Course Description
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the trench rescue technician to work safely and efficiently in a trench rescue environment. This hands-on training program includes trench and excavation regulations, soil characteristics, trench configurations and hazards, rescue team preparation, incident response, initial on-scene and pre-entry operations, shoring systems and components, shoring system installation, victim rescue and recovery, and incident termination. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
Prerequisites:
Structural Collapse Specialist 1 or Rescue Systems 1
Confined Space Rescue: Awareness
Confined Space Rescue Technician
Confined Space Rescue Technician
March 9-13, 2026
Confined Space Rescue Technician is an advanced course that equips firefighters and rescue personnel with the specialized skills needed to perform complex rescues in permit-required confined spaces. Meets NFPA 1006 job performance requirements for technician-level confined space rescue.
Location: Bremerton, Washington
Hours: 0800-1700 Daily
Cost: $1300 per student.
Required Equipment:
SCBA, spare cylinder, and fit-tested mask
If available, fit-tested MSA G1 mask
Long sleeve, fire-resistant clothing (coveralls or wildland gear)
Nomex, PBI, or similar, fire-resistant hood
Helmet
Eye protection
Gloves
Steel-toed boots
Note: SCBA will be required every day of the class. Your mask must be fit-tested, and your cylinders must be within date for visual and hydro inspections. SABA systems will be provided for supplied air training components of the course.
Prerequisites: Rescue Systems 1. Note, in order to receive a confined space rescue technician certificate, NFPA rope rescue technician is also required. For students not holding a rope rescue technician certificate at the time of the course, completion certificates for this course will be held until rope technician is completed.
Confined Space Rescue Technician
SFT: Confined Space Rescue Technician
March 9-13, 2026
McClellan Park, CA
Primary Instructor: Doug Ross
Additional Instructors: Kyle Johnson, Daniel Martinez, & Adam Gannon
Course Description
This intensive hands-on course provides the skills and knowledge needed to prepare the confined space rescue technician to respond to confined space emergencies including identifying confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces, the hazards associated with permit-required confined spaces, target industries and hazards, state and federal regulations, components of a rescue operation, and the roles and responsibilities of the rescue team.This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify the value of ethical behavior in instructional settings, describe how ethical norms influence individual ethics, identify a personal ethical perspective and core values and how they impact communication and ethical decision making, and make an ethical decision using an ethical decision-making model, in order to assist in making ethical decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in an instructional setting and carry out the roles and responsibilities of an SFT instructor in an ethical manner.
Prerequisites:
Confined Space Rescue: Awareness (SFT)
Rope Rescue Operations* (SFT) or Rescue Systems 1 and LARRO (SFT)
HazMat First Responder Operations (SFT)
IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (FEMA** – online)
Driver Operator 1B
SFT FIRE APPARATUS DRIVER / OPERATOR 1B:
PUMPING APPARATUS OPERATIONS
February 20 - 23, 2026
0800-1800hrs
Hayward, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to operate and perform preventative maintenance on a pumping apparatus. Topics include routine tests, inspections, and servicing functions; producing hand, master, and foam fire streams; relay pump operations; and supplying water to fire sprinkler and standpipe systems.
REQUIRED GEAR
Helmet
Turnout Jacket
Wildland Jacket & Pants
Steel Toed Boots
PREREQUISITES
OSFM certified Fire Fighter 1 or certified Fire Fighter 2 tenured path
1A: Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator (2008 or newer)
A valid driver’s license
S-290: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
SFT S-290: INTERMEDIATE WILDLAND FIRE BEHAVIOR
January 12-16, 2026
0800-1700
McClellan Park, CA
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This is a classroom-based skills course designed to prepare the prospective fireline supervisor / single resource boss / company officer to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. Fire environment differences are discussed.
INSTRUCTORS
Charlie Blakenheim
PREREQUISITES
S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
Ethical Leadership for Instructors
SFT: Ethical Leadership for Instructors
Instructed by Markus Reagan (1000-2114)
December 15, 2025
McClellan Park, CA
Course Description
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify the value of ethical behavior in instructional settings, describe how ethical norms influence individual ethics, identify a personal ethical perspective and core values and how they impact communication and ethical decision making, and make an ethical decision using an ethical decision-making model, in order to assist in making ethical decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in an instructional setting and carry out the roles and responsibilities of an SFT instructor in an ethical manner.
Designed for:
Individuals who wish to teach State Fire Training courses as a registered instructor and anyone interested in pursuing ethical behavior in an instructional setting.
Chief Fire Officer 3B
Chief Fire Officer 3B - Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities
This course will be held at the Contra Costa Fire Department Training Division; 2945 Treat Blvd, Concord, CA 94518.
December 8 – 9, 2025; 0830 – 1630
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the budgeting requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including developing a budget management system, developing a division or departmental budget, and describing the process for ensuring competitive bidding.
Instructor II
SFT: Instructor II
Instructed by Markus Reagan (1000-2114)
December 1-5, 2025
McClellan Park, CA
Course Description
The Instructor 2 Certification utilizes NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications (2012) to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training’s Instructor 2 certification. These qualifications are documented in the Instructor 2 Certification Training Standards (CTS). State Fire Training coordinated the development of the CTS guide, certification, and associated curriculum. The Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) and the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) recommended these standards and qualifications for adoption by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
FF Rescue and RIC Ops
SFT: Fire Fighter Rescue and Rapid Intervention Crew Operations
Instructed by Bryan Grebel (1002-3768), Josh Burris (6460-5545), Ryan Hatfield (2669-8162), and Jeff Switkowski (1001-1214)
November 17-20, 2025
McClellan Park, CA
This hands-on course provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform fire fighter rescue to reduce fire fighter injuries and deaths. Topics include the fire fighter rescue mindset; size up, tool assembly, and softening the structure; search, assessment, air delivery, and rescue; and Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) roles, responsibilities, strategies, and operations.
Prerequisites: Fire Fighter 1A: Suppression (SFT) or Fire Fighter 1 certification Fire Fighter Survival (SFT)
• The Fire Ground Survival Awareness (IAFF online course) component of this course must be completed within three years prior to the Fire Fighter Rescue and RIC Operations course start date.
Chief Fire Officer 3A
Chief Fire Officer 3A: Human Resource Management
Contra Costa Fire Training, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord, 94518
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the human resources requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including developing plans for providing employee accommodation, developing hiring procedures, establishing personnel assignments, describing methods of facilitating and encouraging professional development, developing an ongoing education training program, developing promotional procedures, developing proposals for improving employee benefits, and developing a measurable accident and injury prevention program.
Designed For: The certified Company Officer advancing to the Chief Fire Officer classification
Instructor 1
SFT: Instructor 1
Instructed by Markus Reagan (1000-2114)
November 10-14, 2025
McClellan Park, CA
Course Description
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry level professional instructor to perform his or her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. At the end of this course, candidates for Instructor I certification will be able to teach and deliver instruction from a prepared lesson plan utilizing instructional aids and evaluation instruments. The Instructor I will also be able to adapt a lesson plan and complete the reporting requirements to the local jurisdiction.
RIO / CEET
REGISTERED INSTRUCTOR ORIENTATION (RIO) & CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION EVALUATOR TRAINING (CEET)
November 6, 2025
0900 - 1800
McClellan Park, CA
Instructor: Caryn Petty (1003-4414)
Student may attend either the AM session, PM session, or both if needed.
PREREQUISITE: Students must provide proof of Instructor 1 completion in order to attend RIO.
0900-1300
RIO - Registered Instructor Orientation
This course is designed to provide instructors who will deliver SFT training programs with an overview of State Fire Training, CFSTES and FSTEP, instructor registration requirements, instructor responsibilities and accountability, how to schedule and return courses, and the SFT Procedures Manual.
1400-1800
CEET - Certification Examination Evaluator Training
This course provides in-depth instruction on the registration requirements for Registered Lead Evaluators and Skills Evaluators, processes and procedures to request and successfully deliver both written and skills certification examinations, and information on making the transition from instructor to evaluator.
Chief Fire Officer 3C
Chief Fire Officer 3C – General Administration Functions
November 4 – 6, 2025; 0830-1700
Berkeley Fire Department EMS Division, 1007 University Ave, Berkeley CA 94710
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the administration requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including directing a department record management system, analyzing and interpreting records and data, developing a model plan for continuous organizational improvement, developing a plan to facilitate approval, preparing community awareness programs, and evaluating the inspection program of the AHJ.
Prerequisites: Meet the educational requirements for Company Officer or five (5) years as a career officer (Lieutenant or higher), or seven (7) years as a volunteer officer (Lieutenant or higher) or five (5) years CAL FIRE Fire Apparatus Engineer
Required Text: Chief Officer: Principles and Practice (International Association of Fire Chiefs 3rd or 4th Edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning)
L0965 All Hazards Resource and Demobilization Unit Leader
This course provides federal, state, and local-level emergency responders with an overview of key duties and responsibilities of a Resources Unit Leader and a Demobilization Unit Leader in a Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT). Exercises/simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable participants to process and apply their new knowledge.
________________________________________
Course Objectives
• Explain the organization and functions of the Planning Section.
• Explain the purpose of the Resources Unit and the Demobilization Unit.
• Create an ICS Form 211 Incident Check-in List.
• Create an ICS Form 219 Resource Status Card.
• Create the Resources Unit Leader's portion of the ICS Form 215 Operational Planning Worksheet.
• Create the required forms, documents, and components to support the incident.
• Create the required forms and documents to facilitate resource demobilization. Understand
________________________________________
Prerequisites (All Required):
· IS-0100: An Introduction to the Incident Command System
· IS-0200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
· E/L/G 0300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents
· IS-0700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
· IS-0800: National Response Framework (NRF), An Introduction